When you are first selecting a lamp and shade, you will want to decide if you want a floor lamp, a table lamp, or both. We are going to focus on table lamps here. When you select a table lamp, both the base and the shade should be in proportion, to the remainder of the furniture in the room, and to each other. The shade should be at eye level if you are sitting down, and the bulb should not be able to be seen. The shade can really enhance or ruin the look of a lamp. When you are picking out a shade, never let it overpower the lamp. Shades come in every shape, color, texture and size. You can find a ceramic table lamp, a crystal table lamp, or even a Tiffany table lamp. A shade that is transparent will add the most amount of light to your room. A shade that is opaque will focus the light down and can be used as task lighting. Next we are going to discuss picking out the right table lamp for the living room.

You should think of living room table lamps as part light and also part sculpture. You want them to be beautiful to look at whether they are turned on or off. But you do want to ensure they do not block your view or impede conversation.

Height: The majority of living rooms can accomodate a lamp that is between 26 and 34 inches tall. But you do not want to be seated and looking up in to the lamp's hardware. To determin if your lamp is the appropriate height for a particular table, sit down on the sofa or on the chair beside it. The bottom of you shade should not be higher than eye level.

Base: Even if your lamp base is narrow or a candlestick style, it needs to be weighted enough so that someone who talks using their hands doesn't  knock over the lamp if they accidentally bump into it.

Positioning: Rooms need to have a source of light about every 10 feet. If a lamp is placed on a table in between your sofa and a chair, think about a  thin or see through base. That way your line of sight as well as your conversation can flow freely.

Shade: A fabric shade or semi opaque paper shade will give your room a warm and appealing glow. Placed near a TV, an opaque shade made out of any material can actually reduce glare. Generally speaking, drum shades  will have a more modern look and conical ones will be more traditional. You never want the shade to extend beyond the perimeter of your table.

Bulb: If you want to utilize your lamp for reading, ensure that your bulb is 60 watts or higher. A three way bulb or a dimmer switch can help adjust the level of brightness.

Style: A living room is a terrific place to put a lamp that is made out of a favorite object, like a vase. The majority of lighting repair stores can assist with the wiring.